The use and abuse of nutritional supplements (the right way to do it) – Times of India
Dr. Sanjay Raina, Head, Department of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad shares, “Unmonitored nutritional intake of multivitamins can lead to overdose toxicity. For example, excess vitamin A is toxic to the liver, skin, and nervous system. Excess vitamin D is harmful to the kidneys due to excess calcium.“Any supplement taken arbitrarily will only cause harm,” adds nutritionist Kavita Devgan. Supplements should be taken only after testing on the advice of a nutritionist or doctor. For example, Too much zinc can lead to nausea, loss of appetite and low levels of good HDL cholesterol. Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea or irregular heartbeat. Too much iron can damage organs. These are the effects we know about, there may be many more that have not yet been studied or researched.
Dr. Sandeep Sonavane, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilabin Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai believes that a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables can easily meet the daily nutritional requirements. “Furthermore, Care must be taken when taking supplements containing metals, as they can damage the kidneys and liver. Therefore, it is best to use such supplements only after getting proper medical advice.”
“Excessive or unsupervised use of dietary supplements can result in dietary toxicity, particularly heavy metal poisoning, which can damage vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, eyes, brain, and skin. Vitamin C Excessive consumption of calcium can lead to acidity and gastritis. Excessive consumption of zinc, selenium and magnesium can also have harmful effects on the kidneys. Moreover, excessive consumption of calcium can lead to kidney stones. Therefore, it is important to The use of dietary supplements should be regulated to ensure that they are beneficial to your health rather than harmful.
The right way to take a vitamin D supplement
Many of us randomly pick vitamin D packets, with limited knowledge of what needs to be taken weekly. But that’s not all, says Dr Sandeep. “Vitamin D supplements come in two forms: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based supplements are best taken after a meal, as they are better absorbed when taken with food. Water-based supplements, on the other hand, can be taken without regard to food. As vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, oil preparations are preferred over water-based supplements.
The dosage of vitamin D supplements is determined based on an individual’s deficiency and needs, and it is recommended to consult a doctor for the correct dosage and duration of treatment.
The Right Way to Take Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are only needed if a person is deficient in iron or during pregnancy. Dr. Sanjay suggests that the dose and duration of iron therapy depends on the degree of deficiency. “Iron should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption, but if an empty stomach is not tolerated, it can be taken with food. At the same time, vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.“
Dr Sandeep adds that controlling iron intake is very important as excessive intake can lead to stomach upset and other related problems.
Advantages and disadvantages of random health tests
After reaching the age of 40, individuals can go through annual health packages. “However, it is important to note that some health packages may include non-specific tests that are not necessary for a routine check-up. If a person is suffering from a disease, his health check-up will include his condition. Disease-specific tests should be included. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the appropriate health package that meets one’s specific needs, says Dr. Sandeep. .
There are several diagnostic health tests available in the market today. These offer a discounted price but contain many tests that are not actually needed for the individual. Dr. Sanjay added that minor abnormalities shown in the tests lead to avoidable anxiety and unnecessary consultations with doctors as a result.
Random health tests can have negative psychological effects, leading to more stress that negatively affects the body. Plus a hole in the pocket. Kavita concluded that tests involving the risk of radiation are particularly worse.
Decision
Clearly, high intakes of nutrients can lead to serious side effects. This makes it important to plan your meals in such a way that it nourishes your body well. Consulting with your doctor should help you get the right diagnosis and dosage, as well as the right test for your body. Be mindful of how many nutrients you’re getting from your food sources. This awareness will go a long way…